Persons with profound and multiple learning disabilities as subjects of knowledge: Exploring the possibilities of empathy

Abstract

BackgroundPersons with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) risk exclusion, both in research and as members of society. Because of their embodied communication, they face the challenges in being understood. Oftentimes, others speak on their behalf making inferences on what their perspective might be.MethodsEmpathy is suggested as an approach to grasp the perspective of a person with profound and multiple learning disabilities through engaging with embodied communication. The account of empathy suggested by Stein will be unfolded through an ethnographic study including persons with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their professional supporters. Given this background, the intent is to discuss the potential empathy can have in recognising persons with these disabilities as subjects of knowledge.Findings and ConclusionsThe characteristics of persons with profound and multiple learning disabilities provide energy to empathic situations in ways that advocate for the possibility of being recognised as subjects of knowledge. This is related to the competencies of the individual, ambiguous communication and the dependency relations in which they are involved. It is of utmost importance to respect the alterity of the other.